Cusco Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Cusco / Cuzco, Peru)

The city of Cusco is large and the choice of tourist attractions is enormous, so it really is essential that you take your time to properly sightsee, and don't try to rush your holiday. With attractions such as the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu and the very beautiful Sacred Valley on the very doorstep of Cusco, there certainly is plenty to see.

If you don't have much time to spare for sightseeing and are only able to visit one tourist attraction in Cusco, then be sure to come to the Inca ruins of Qorikancha. Other recommendations for tourists include the Q'enqo ruins, the various central plazas, a choice of outdoor activities, and the extremely vibrant Barrio de San Blas, which is steeped in Inca history.

Activities

Although a large number of the tourists visiting Cusco come to explore the spectacular Inca ruins and learn more about the ancient civilisations once living here, others come to the city to enjoy its extensive selection of other outdoor attractions and recreational activities.

With some of the best activities and exciting adventures on offer in Peru, tourists will be able to try their hand at:

• Hiking / Trekking - although for many, the Inca Trail is the epitome of hiking trails, there are a number of further routes in the region of Machu Picchu, such as those around Ausangate, Huancacalle and Vilcabamba, and throughout the Sacred Valley
• River Running / White-Water Rafting - something for the more adventurous, rafting down the Urubamba River is relatively tame and usually lasts around half a day, passing some spectacular Inca ruins en route
• Mountain Biking - with endless mountain biking opportunities being available for all abilities, around Calca, Lares and Moray in particular, and alongside both the Rio Apurimac and the Rio Tambopata
• Bird Watching - with exceptional bird watching opportunities to be found between Ollantaytambo and Quillabamba, around the Abra de Malaga
• Kayaking - generally following the same routes as the river running, with various outfitters around Cusco renting out kayaks for the day
• Horse Riding - an increasingly popular way to enjoy this region, with friendly Peruvian Paso horses being found at the Wayra stables, close to Cusco and at the Sol and Luna Lodge Ranch
• Mountaineering - an adventure sport for only the fittest, with the best and most reliable excursions being organised by Andean Treks
• Skiing - whilst there are not actually any official ski runs, experienced skiers are known to head up to an Andean summit and enjoy a major rush of adrenaline as they ski back down

Open hours: daily - seasonal variations
Admission: free, charge for guides and equipment hire

Barrio de San Blas

Address: Barrio de San Blas, Cusco, Peru, PE
The neighbourhood of San Blas is better known in Cusco as the Barrio de San Blas and is the most historic part of the city, residing just a few blocks to the north of the Plaza de Armas. Many of the cobblestone streets follow the same lines as those first laid out by the Incas, and the oldest houses have been built directly upon ancient Inca foundations. As you climb the steep streets, take time out to stop and enjoy the panoramic views, or the multitude of interesting shops. This colourful area also goes by the name of the Barrio de los Artesanos (Artisan Quarter), due to its wealth of artisan studios, galleries and workshops.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Qorikancha

Address: Plaza Santo Domingo, Cusco, Peru, PE
The remains of Qorikancha were actually once the most important temple in the whole Inca empire, with magnificent temple walls lined with solid gold. Many ritual ceremonies were once held here by the Incas, while high priests used Qorikancha as something of an observatory. Today, these 15th-century ruins form the base of the Convent of Santo Domingo and its church, and offer only a very small suggestion of its former grandeur.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 08:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for students and children

Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo (Centre of Native Art)

Address: Avenida El Sol 604, Cusco, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 084 22 7901
The Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo is worth searching out and was established as far back as the 1920s, making it amongst the oldest of all the city's folkloric attractions. This intimate theatre can accommodate audiences of around 300 people within its auditorium and features regular Peruvian dance performances, which last around an hour and are first introduced in both English and Spanish. An onsite museum is filled with traditional costumes from the city's provinces.
Open hours: daily - 18:30 to 21:00
Admission: charge

Q'enqo / Quenko

Literally translating as 'zigzag', Q'enqo is the name given to these rather fascinating ruins, located just 4 km / 2.5 miles to the north-east of Cusco. It is widely believed that the archaeological site of Q'enqo was used for religious ceremonies, since the limestone monolith is carved with symbolic zigzags, possibly used for ritual sacrifices when they would be served as channels for the blood. At the top of the Q'enqo are etched images of various animals, including a llama and puma, while down below, a large semi-circular amphitheatre remains in good order, along with carved stairs and tunnels.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Plazas / Public Squares

Tel: +51 084 22 1361
There are no less than three main public squares / parks in central Cusco, each of which is surrounded by its own set of attractions and colonial buildings.

• Plaza de Armas - the largest and most central of these squares, once the very heart of the Inca capital, when it went by the name of the Huacaypata (Aucaypata). Today, the Plaza de Armas is edged by a series of arcades and overlooked by both the cathedral and the Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus
• Plaza de Regocijo - once actually part of the now smaller Plaza de Armas, the Plaza de Regocijo lies to the west, where it has become a pleasant park and worth checking out if you are passing that way
• Plaza San Francisco - the most southerly of all the squares, next to the Iglesia de Santo Domingo and close to a number of popular hotels

Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free